College's slogan rings true for student

More Than Brick and Mortar

Posted: Wednesday, April 05, 2000

West Texas A&M University slogan, "Close to Perfect, Close to Home," is really true in my case. Born and raised in Amarillo, I have always heard about WT and since it is my dad's alma mater, everything that has been said has been good.

My parents raised me with high standards and taught me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, so I knew that a college education was going to be a must.

But still, if someone had asked me in my early years of high school where I was planning to pursue my college education, WT would have been the last thing to come out of my mouth. I wanted to spread my wings and broaden my horizons, which in any high school student's mind means hoping to get away from home.

Don't get me wrong, I love my parents dearly, but there came a point where freedom was ringing loud in my ears.

I still remember the chaos of college searching; all the questions piled up in my feeble mind, and the scary feeling of not knowing what was in the future haunted me and all my friends.

The one thing I did love, though, was coming home after school during my senior year to a pile of college mail with my name on it. I had never received so much stuff in my life!

Through it all, WT stuck out like a sore thumb, and this was the place I decided to make my new home. It was a comforting feeling after that to know that I wasn't going far away (I guess the freedom thing was just a phase).

Looking back, there were many times throughout my first three years at WT when I have been very glad my parents were just 15 minutes away. For instance, when I didn't even have $1.25 to wash my clothes in the dorms, or when I needed some TLC that only mom can give when the flu comes around, I was thrilled to be close to home. Or how about the time my car died in the middle of the street? I knew dad could be there to help in no time.

While a lot of my high school friends went away to bigger universities, I am thankful every day that I made the choice to stay in the Panhandle.

This is where I found my niche. I have met some of my closest friends at WT, and I've experienced some of my best memories right here in Canyon. It has been wonderful to be at a place where your professors know your name and everyone is a familiar face.

As I plan to graduate in May 2001 with a degree in broadcasting, I can't believe that it seems just like yesterday when I was a timid little freshman walking onto the campus of WT for the first time.

One thing is for sure, even though I am still close to my home, I can honestly say that this place has allowed me to spread my wings and broaden my horizons. My future is bright, thanks to my wonderful experience at WT.

Natali Schenck is a junior mass communications-broadcast major from Amarillo and an intern in the Office of Communication Service.